Founded on January 30, 1904, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association operated as the General Alumni Association until 1948 when it incorporated and was renamed. Decades before the association was formed, however, graduates were serving the University's colleges and schools as members of autonomous alumni societies. As of November 2007, the Alumni Association had more than 60,000 members, representing nearly 375,000 living alumni of the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota, and incorporates 19 collegiate societies, eight alumni interest groups, and approximately 70 geographical chapter areas.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association serves alumni and the University of Minnesota in a unique way. It is both an independent nonprofit association, governed by a volunteer board of directors, and it is the University of Minnesota's department of alumni relations (AR). The association and the department are served by a central staff and are guided by a common set of goals and objectives.

The Alumni Association/AR believes:

High quality public education is essential

Alumni and friends make a difference.

The University has a responsibility to alumni and alumni have a responsibility to the University.

Alumni involvement and input is essential to be effective.

A positive student experience is important to a long-term relationship with the University.